56 thoughts on “Big Plan To Fix Hawaii Tourism Just Got A Brutal Reality Check”
Yvonne
We have been coming to Hawaii for over 40 years and the changes we see are heartbreaking. The road through Kona used to be 2 lanes and now it is 8 lanes, like the mainland. We hear that high rises are planned to replace the town of Lahaina, which is a tragedy even worse than the fire. The parking fees in Kona are outrageous and make us feel totally unwelcome. We try to avoid Kona now which used to be our favorite spot. Why is Hawaii destroying the things that made it so special?
Soon we will have no reason to visit.
We already stopped weddings at Waimanalo and Makapu’u despite the whole thing taking an hour tops and not polluting or displacing anybody. Tourism is the life blood that enables residents to pay less for everything and employs us. Killing the Golden Goose is short sighted, IMO.
We have been to maui 3x and the big island 1x. We plan to visit the big island in 26. We do not do the tourist stuff very often. We spend our resources on scuba diving. Eat dinner out 2 to 3 times during the week. Lots of driving and enjoying the beautiful countryside. We stay at worldmark time share which has a full kitchen. We leave nothing.
The state has the same problems most states and cities that have been run by one political party for yours have. There is no reason HI can’t attract new business’ if new leadership is installed by the voters. There is plenty of $$ available from business’s that would love to expand or create new businesses in the state using PPP (Public Private programs). All it takes is new state executive and legislative leaders. Once the economy becomes less dependent on tourism, the corner will be turned. Large investments in advertising HII can be made and all boats will rise. Residents must vote out the current lazy corrupt politicians Now.
I’m sixth generation in Hawaii. The whole ” it’s our land, it’s our island, no one else can have any” has to stop. There has to be balance between graciously accepting visitors and hating on them; telling them in social media they shouldn’t come because “fill in the blank”. I grew hearing the hating, and now it seems to a bad habit. Locals: this is your biggest most successful industry. Tourists: yes, treat the islands with respect and be aware of your eco footprint. I loved, as a young adult, the teachings of the spirit of Aloha.
The selfishness and rudeness of some locals has been endemic for many, many years, but it could be alleviated by continuing to teach the spirit of Aloha. Tourists being welcomed are more likely to treat the islands with respect. Honey catches more flies than vinegar.
This isn’t going to improve until the voters speak. HI is 98% run by one political party. They care about only one goal. Improving their personal net worth. Where is the usual loyal opposition? Start at the top. Elect a Governor that isn’t part of the current ruling Junta.
As a tourist who loves Hawaii and has been to all the islands since she was a little girl and is now 72, give tourists a task to help the islands: clean up a trail, food distribution, etc. Have an easy to sign up form. That way we have a stake in Hawaii too.
My Mother started visiting your islands in early 1960s. As myself and my siblings grew up, our Mother took us To your beautiful islands many times. She had great respect for the people and the culture. She passed that on to us and now four of us visit almost every 2 years. I can understand your concerns as I’ve seen how disrespectful some tourists can be. Leaving messes or encroaching on wildlife, etc.
Not all tourists are the same. I hope you can come to resolution that can both protect Hawaii and still welcome visitors. Mahalo!
We have been coming to Hawaii for over 40 years and the changes we see are heartbreaking. The road through Kona used to be 2 lanes and now it is 8 lanes, like the mainland. We hear that high rises are planned to replace the town of Lahaina, which is a tragedy even worse than the fire. The parking fees in Kona are outrageous and make us feel totally unwelcome. We try to avoid Kona now which used to be our favorite spot. Why is Hawaii destroying the things that made it so special?
Soon we will have no reason to visit.
We already stopped weddings at Waimanalo and Makapu’u despite the whole thing taking an hour tops and not polluting or displacing anybody. Tourism is the life blood that enables residents to pay less for everything and employs us. Killing the Golden Goose is short sighted, IMO.
We have been to maui 3x and the big island 1x. We plan to visit the big island in 26. We do not do the tourist stuff very often. We spend our resources on scuba diving. Eat dinner out 2 to 3 times during the week. Lots of driving and enjoying the beautiful countryside. We stay at worldmark time share which has a full kitchen. We leave nothing.
The state has the same problems most states and cities that have been run by one political party for yours have. There is no reason HI can’t attract new business’ if new leadership is installed by the voters. There is plenty of $$ available from business’s that would love to expand or create new businesses in the state using PPP (Public Private programs). All it takes is new state executive and legislative leaders. Once the economy becomes less dependent on tourism, the corner will be turned. Large investments in advertising HII can be made and all boats will rise. Residents must vote out the current lazy corrupt politicians Now.
I’m sixth generation in Hawaii. The whole ” it’s our land, it’s our island, no one else can have any” has to stop. There has to be balance between graciously accepting visitors and hating on them; telling them in social media they shouldn’t come because “fill in the blank”. I grew hearing the hating, and now it seems to a bad habit. Locals: this is your biggest most successful industry. Tourists: yes, treat the islands with respect and be aware of your eco footprint. I loved, as a young adult, the teachings of the spirit of Aloha.
The selfishness and rudeness of some locals has been endemic for many, many years, but it could be alleviated by continuing to teach the spirit of Aloha. Tourists being welcomed are more likely to treat the islands with respect. Honey catches more flies than vinegar.
This isn’t going to improve until the voters speak. HI is 98% run by one political party. They care about only one goal. Improving their personal net worth. Where is the usual loyal opposition? Start at the top. Elect a Governor that isn’t part of the current ruling Junta.
As a tourist who loves Hawaii and has been to all the islands since she was a little girl and is now 72, give tourists a task to help the islands: clean up a trail, food distribution, etc. Have an easy to sign up form. That way we have a stake in Hawaii too.
My Mother started visiting your islands in early 1960s. As myself and my siblings grew up, our Mother took us To your beautiful islands many times. She had great respect for the people and the culture. She passed that on to us and now four of us visit almost every 2 years. I can understand your concerns as I’ve seen how disrespectful some tourists can be. Leaving messes or encroaching on wildlife, etc.
Not all tourists are the same. I hope you can come to resolution that can both protect Hawaii and still welcome visitors. Mahalo!